What is a primary symptom of left-sided heart failure?

Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is a primary symptom of left-sided heart failure. This condition occurs when the left side of the heart is unable to effectively pump blood to the rest of the body. As a result, blood can back up into the lungs, leading to pulmonary congestion. The accumulation of fluid in the lungs makes it difficult for individuals to breathe, particularly during exertion or when lying flat, which can also lead to orthopnea (shortness of breath while lying down) and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (sudden shortness of breath during sleep).

While peripheral edema, chest pain, and fatigue can also be associated with heart failure, they are more commonly seen in right-sided heart failure or as general symptoms in various cardiac conditions. For left-sided heart failure specifically, the direct impact on pulmonary circulation and the resultant breathing difficulties are hallmark signs that differentiate it from other forms of heart failure.